DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE http://hidod.hawaii.gov The State Constitution, Article V, section 5, provides that the Governor is the Commander in Chief of the armed forces of the State. The Department of Defense is established under section 26-21, HRS. The Adjutant General, pursuant to section 121-7, HRS, is the executive head of the Department of Defense and the commanding general of the militia of the State and, pursuant to section 26-21, HRS, the Director of Civil Defense. The Adjutant General supervises all of the forces comprising the military components of the Department of Defense of the State. Military supervisory power includes the command, discipline, training, and recruiting of the armed forces of the State, military operations, distribution of troops, inspections, armament, military education and instruction, fiscal operations, administration, and supply. Civil Defense Division The Civil Defense Division plans, coordinates, and supervises civil defense activities throughout the State. The objectives of civil defense are to: minimize the loss of life and property, restore essential public services, and expedite recovery and rehabilitation in the event of natural disaster, and, in the event of national emergency, to ensure the continuation of civil government and to manage the mobilization and utilization of the State's resources and production. Hawaii Air and Army National Guard Divisions The Hawaii National Guard, which consists of the Hawaii Air National Guard and the Hawaii Army National Guard, maintains its readiness for state and federal active duty. Both the Air and Army National Guard are prepared for local or global assignments, should the Governor or President order either to active duty. Each member of the Air and Army National Guard is a member of the state militia and the National Guard of the United States. All members are subject, as the case may be, to the call of the Governor or the President. The National Guard (at the state level) and the militia are regulated under chapter 121, HRS. Hawaii State Defense Force The Hawaii State Defense Force, established under section 122A-2, HRS, is currently an inactive division of the Department of Defense. When activated as part of the State's organized militia, the Defense Force may be employed by competent civil authority to help preserve peace and order and maintain the public's safety. Members consist of persons over the age of eighteen years voluntarily enlisted or appointed and such members of the unorganized militia as may be enrolled by draft or as otherwise provided by law. 70 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ATTACHED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PURPOSES Office of Veterans' Services The Office of Veterans' Services, established under section 363-2, HRS, is the principal agency in state government responsible for the administration and conduct of all functions and activities concerning veterans. It maintains a veterans' services delivery network, evaluates services to veterans, serves as a clearinghouse for veterans' complaints, and operates the State Veterans Cemetery on Oahu. Advisory Board. The Advisory Board on Veterans' Services, established under section 363-3.5, HRS, consists of nine members who are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Five members are veterans, with at least one member residing in each of the counties of Maui and Kauai. The County of Hawaii is represented by two members, one member residing in East Hawaii and one member in West Hawaii. Four members reside in the City and County of Honolulu. At least three members are women. The Director of Health, Director of Human Services, Director of Labor and Industrial Relations, and the Adjutant General are ex officio, nonvoting members. The Director for the Office of Veterans' Services is an ex officio, voting member. The Chairperson of the Board is elected by a majority of the Board. The Board sits in an advisory capacity to the Director of the Office of Veterans' Services. Civil Defense Advisory Council The Civil Defense Advisory Council, established pursuant to sections 26-21(b) and 128- 4, HRS, consists of seven members who are appointed by the Governor. Persons holding public office or employment in the state government, or any of its political subdivisions, are eligible for appointment. The Council confers with and advises the Governor on matters pertaining to civil defense. Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy The Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy, located at Kalaeloa on Oahu, was established in 1994 and has graduated 36 classes and over 3000 young people. A second site was opened at Kulani on Hawaii Island in 2011 and has graduated 3 classes and almost 170 “Cadets.” The Academy provides 16- to 18-year-old at-risk youths a second chance to earn their high school diploma, while working on the skills and discipline necessary to become successful and productive citizens of the State of Hawaii. The Cadets live in a quasi-military environment for 22 weeks during the residential phase of the program. Cadets must remain drug free and be physically and mentally fit in order to complete the program. A personal mentor follows the progress of the Cadets for at least one year during the post-residential phase. As part of the post- residential phase, the Cadets are required to select or combine any of the following three options: enroll in a program of higher education, hold gainful employment, or enlist in a branch of the U.S. military. The program is funded primarily by the federal government with the State paying a small portion. 71 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ADJUTANT GENERAL For administrative purposes Civil Defense Division Office of Veterans’ Services Hawaii Air and Army National Civil Defense Advisory Guard Divisions Council Hawaii State Defense Force Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy 72 .